THE SAINT OF FORT WASHINGTON

JAMES NEWTON HOWARD

Rating:

Guest Review by JJ Hinrichs: The Saint of Fort Washington is a 1993 character-driven study about homelessness in New York City. The film stars Matt Dillon and Danny Glover and follows the adventures of Matthew, a schizophrenic who likes takes pictures in his camera without any film. Matthew winds up on the street after his landlord, or slumlord if you will, informs him that his apartment building will be torn down. Upon arrival at the Fort Washington Shelter for Men, Matthew is preyed upon by Ving Rhames (playing Little Leroy in a very creepy role). Danny Glover plays Jerry, who takes Matthew under his wing. Jerry, as a Vietnam veteran, is street-smart and helps protect Matthew as they live the homeless life. Overall, the film is touching, and certainly a nod to the old style of film-making: "Old Hollywood" as Leonard Maltin puts it.

Accompanying all the action on screen is a solid, urban, yet low-key, James Newton Howard score. The score has many of the pop-flavoured characteristics of Grand Canyon, but the emotional touch that makes Newton Howard one of the most sought-after of composers. This is a gem of a score, and is relatively unknown, even amongst score collectors. The score concentrates more mood and atmosphere to make its musical argument. I say that because, this is rainy day music at it's best. The score is mostly sad, but curiously, as a whole, it makes me feel the opposite.

The score gets under way with the Main Titles, using subdued organ to paint a grey musical picture with arpeggios and a slightly pointed melody above, with touches of jazz (hence the urban element) in the muted trumpet. Synths also are used pretty heavily to add depth to the string lines, and hint at a chorus, which adds an unearthly element to the music. 'Sewing Money' is starts out considerably more upbeat, with more pop-oriented rhythms, played by piano, strings, and a solo oboe. About halfway through the track, the music turns considerably darker. It's a sign of a good composer when he or she can keep the dull music interesting. 'Sewing Money' is such a track. After the upbeat opening, menacing synth effects with percussion are used heavily. Newton Howard calls upon all his forces again, as the trumpet, the choir, even an electric guitar make appearances in what should be a fairly uneventful track.

'Matthew Takes a Picture' hearkens back to the music heard in the main title sequence. 'Matthew's Casket', while obviously a spoiler, is the reason to obtain this score. It's arranged for piano, and contains a touching theme accompanied by static strings. While there is no theme to readily identifiable put your finger on, it contains two minutes of Newton Howard's most touching music.

The album concludes with the 'End Titles', basically yet another rendition of the main title theme. People complain about Varese Sarabande's short releases. This is one of them. However, this is a score that is just about right. If I am right, I think the CD contains most of, if not all the music in the film. Overall, this is a solid score, and certainly a score which deserves more attention. Is it one of the most powerful musical statements ever? No, but there certainly hints of the greatness James Newton Howard would achieve in the later 90's and in 2000.

hinrichs@worldnet.att.net

Track Listing: Running Time: 30 minutes 03 seconds

Varèse Sarabande VSD-5444 (1993)

Music composed by James Newton Howard. Conducted by Marty Paich. Orchestrations by James Newton Howard. Edited by Jim Weidman. Album produced by James Newton Howard.

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